By Chaice Paterson, CEO & Founder, Low Deposit Homes | Updated June 2026
Australia’s labour market is genuinely short of workers in 2026, and several key industries have ongoing skill shortages. Healthcare, construction trades, technology and education are the strongest demand sectors. Under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement (TTMRA), most NZ qualifications are automatically recognised in Australia, and salaries sit 15-30% above equivalent NZ roles in most sectors. Securing Australian employment is the first step in our complete guide to moving from New Zealand to Australia — because Australian payslip history is what unlocks your home loan.
What industries are short of workers in Australia in 2026?
Healthcare (highest demand): registered nurses (especially aged care, emergency, ICU, mental health), enrolled nurses, GPs and medical specialists, allied health (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, sonographers, radiographers), aged care workers and dental practitioners.
Construction: carpenters, electricians, plumbers, plasterers, tilers, bricklayers, construction project managers, civil engineers and building surveyors.
Technology and engineering: software engineers, DevOps and data engineers; civil, structural, electrical, mining and mechanical engineers.
Education: early childhood, primary and secondary teachers (especially STEM). Finance and professional services: accountants, financial planners and cybersecurity specialists.
How does the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement work?
If you’re registered or licensed to practise an occupation in NZ, you can apply for the equivalent Australian registration without repeating training. Examples: AHPRA recognises NZ Nursing Council registration (most nurses register within 2-8 weeks); the Medical Board of Australia recognises NZ Medical Council registration; Engineers Australia recognises NZ-equivalent qualifications; and trades are recognised state-by-state through the Australian licensing system.
What’s the salary differential between NZ and Australian roles?
For most professional roles, Australian salaries sit 15-30% above NZ equivalents (figures indicative). Healthcare: registered nurse (3 yrs) $70-80K NZD to $80-95K AUD; senior nurse $90-110K NZD to $110-140K AUD; physiotherapist $70-95K NZD to $80-115K AUD; GP $200-300K NZD to $250-400K+ AUD. Construction trades: electrician $70-95K NZD to $85-120K AUD; plumber $70-95K NZD to $80-115K AUD; carpenter $60-85K NZD to $75-105K AUD.
Start your Australian first home buyer journey
Once your Australian income is established, book a free 15-minute consultation — book your free call | 1800 920 172. Check what you qualify for with the free Grant Eligibility Calculator.
Low Deposit Homes operates under Winning Homes Australia Pty Ltd (ACN 633 321 758). Salary figures are indicative and vary by employer and region.